Handbook
A Letter To Parents
Dear Parent(s) / Adult Partner(s):
Welcome to Pack 564! We’re so glad you’ve chosen to enroll your child in our pack. We know that both of you will be glad you did. We’ve planned an exciting year and your child will have a great time learning, advancing, and playing.
The pack leaders in Cub Scout Pack 564 seek to provide activities that offer an opportunity for physical fitness, citizenship development, and educational value. Every member of a Cub Scout’s family can enjoy many of our planned activities. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself as excited about pack activities as your child!
Parental involvement is crucial to the success of our pack, which is run solely on the volunteer efforts of the pack’s parents. Parents do not need prior scouting experience, just a willingness to participate and ‘do their best’, just like their Cub Scout! The more parents are involved, the more diverse our programs and activities will be; your child will have more fun and so will everyone else. We encourage you to think about ways you can contribute to our pack, so please take some time to fill out the family talent survey and the family information sheet and turn them into one of the pack leaders.
Cub Scouting places significance on character development, spiritual growth, good citizenship, sportsmanship / fitness, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, fun and adventure, and finally, preparation for Scouting. Pack 564 is firmly committed to teaching these ideals.
If you have questions or concerns about the program or leaders, please contact one of the leaders.
Thanks again and welcome to Pack 564!
Yours in Scouting,
Pack 564 Committee
Pack 564 Mission
The Committee and leaders of Cub Scout Pack 564 are committed to providing a quality, year-round program of Cub Scouting activities. Special emphasis is placed on character development, citizenship, and family.
Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values
Citizenship
Compassion
Cooperation
Courage
Faith
Health & Fitness
Honesty
Perseverance
Positive Attitude
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility
Parents and Adult Partners
Your role as a parent or adult partner:
Cub Scouting encourages closeness to family. The program will give you opportunities to take part in activities with your child that you might not normally do. It provides a positive way for parent/partner and child to grow closer together, and encourages you to spend quality time together. In this way, Cub Scouting is a program for the entire family, and your involvement is vital to the program’s success.
When joining Pack 564, each parent or adult partner agrees to help their child in these specific ways:
Ensure that your scout has the proper uniform and handbook
Work with your child on projects. Help your Cub Scout along the advancement trail. Work with your scout to complete achievements for their rank award; Bobcat first, and then the proper rank for their age/grade
Participate in den meetings and monthly pack meetings
Attend parent-leader conferences as needed
Go on family camp outs with your child
Provide support for your child's den and pack
Return Part A/B health forms, information forms and permission slips as requested
Agree to serve in some leadership capacity as called upon
For Lion and Tiger Cub adult partners, it is a BSA requirement that an adult partner attend all den meetings and participate in the activities as your child's partner.
For all other Dens, it is the policy of Pack 564 that a parent or guardian is present at each den meeting to foster the parent/partner bond with your scout.
The entire pack is run by volunteers. Participation in the pack will enrich your own scouting experience and can be very rewarding. We ask that each parent should attend at least one committee meeting during the year.
Volunteers
In order to provide a high quality program for our children, parent volunteers are always needed. If you would like to help in any capacity, please contact the Pack Committee Chair, Cubmaster, or your child's Den Leader. All types of help are needed: driving for trips, assisting in Den Leader absence, behind-the-scenes administrative type work, etc. Contact the Committee Chair for a list of open positions and job descriptions.
Remember that Cub Scout Packs do not exist without volunteer parent leadership.
Wearing the Uniform
In general, every Cub Scout should wear their uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings and unit outings.
When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, we may opt to have the scouts wear their Pack 564 t-shirt (provided by the pack). These are sometimes referred to as Class B uniforms. Pack leaders will provide advance notice when the pack members should wear something other than the complete uniform.
Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:
DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.
DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.
DO tuck in your shirt. Your respect for your uniform demonstrates a respect for yourself.
DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.
Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.
Scout Oath, Law, Salute, and Motto
Cub Scouts are required to memorize the following pledges and motto; we seek to make these real in their lives and hope that you will encourage your child as they strive to do so.
The Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to god and my country
And to obey the Scout Law.
To help other people at all times.
To keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A scout is...
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Cub Scout Salute
Salute with your right hand. Hold your first two fingers close together. Touch your fingertips to your cap. If you aren’t wearing a cap, touch your right eyebrow. If not in uniform, then salute the flag by placing your right hand over your heart.
The Cub Scout Motto
Do Your Best
